ES 
FR 
Here is another simple model for beginners: the giraffe with only 1 balloon.
This figure is a good exercise for using the pinch-twist as a blocking and securing device.
It also introduces the concept of eccentric bubbles: a simple association of two techniques together: making bubbles and forming angles, which will enable you to reproduce a greater variety of shapes that will look more natural.
This tutorial is in two parts, the first one is a detailed video which is followed by a step by step photo guide. Last but not least, a comment section is now available if you need support.
Items needed
- 1 black marker pen
- 1 yellow modeling balloon
Balloon twisting techniques used in this tutorial
Video Tutorial
Video in French, with English subtitles (if captions do not automatically display in your favorite language, you simply need to modify YouTube parameters at the bottom right of the video screen).
Hello! How about learning to make a giraffe?
You need to inflate a balloon, yellow preferably, leaving a margin about 5 fingers wide, or alternately, a good hand's width. Then make a knot and make sure to push it all the way to the tip of the balloon so you don't lose any length. Angle the balloon at about 3 fingers away from the knot, then make a bubble just under the fold. Which allows us to move the bubble twist slightly off center and hence get the effect of a forehead on the giraffe's head.
To make the horns, next we'll create a series of 4 bubbles. The first bubble will need to be nice and round, and the second one will need to be smaller than the first. Next, the third one will need to be exactly identical to the second one, while the fourth and last bubble will need to be the same as the first. Like this! Hold the series of bubbles in place by twisting them around their base.
And next, make a little bubble which we'll use to make a pinch-twist to consolidate and stiffen somewhat the head, horns, and neck. If need be, push the air towards the reserve a little.
Next, for the giraffe's neck, we'll use about the third of the remaining segment of the balloon which can be easily figured out like this. Fold the balloon at the mark to make a right angle. This slight deformation of the bubble will now enable us to more easily direct the neck towards the top of the giraffe.
To make the front legs, roughly evaluate a quarter of the remaining portion of balloon to form the bubble of the first leg, which will be followed by a second bubble of equal size. Block them together firmly, and make a pinch-twist right after, which will enable us to adequately consolidate the neck from to the rest of the body.
Push the rest of the air to the tip of the remaining portion of balloon which we'll divide into two unequal parts, the last part should be a little shorter than the first. Place these two segments side by side and twist them together, almost at the tip of the shortest segment, so as to form in a single motion, the two hind legs, the abdomen and the tail of our giraffe. The hind legs of the giraffe should be made shorter than the front legs and its back should slope back downwards.
If the angle we've made at the base of the neck has distended somewhat, it will need to be reshaped so that the neck goes upwards, following the direction of the front legs. Also make sure that the head and horns are correctly positioned... There!
All we have left to do now is to draw the giraffe's features, and a few spots. But no need to go overboard, just a few are enough! In fact, as a general rule, when drawing, it's better to do less... but well done!
There! That's all there is to it! So... See you soon! For another lesson... with Mossier Ballon!
Step-By-Step Photo Guide
Do you need more help to make this balloon giraffe?
This tutorial has been updated recently and a comment section has been added. Do not hesitate to use it if you have any reaction or question or if you need any kind of help. I'm here to help.
